HUGE cylindrical signs greeting people driving into Coventry have been unveiled.

The eye-catching tubes - they are 31ft tall and are lit at night - have gone up at six major "gateways" to the city.

The signs were sponsored by six companies, including the Evening Telegraph. They carry messages such as "Welcome to Coventry" and "Coventry Inspires".

At a total cost of #138,000, it is hoped the blue beacon-topped signs will send out a message that Coventry is modern, successful and inspirational.

Unveiling a sign sponsored by the Evening Telegraph, on the Brandon Road, the city's Lord Mayor Councillor Dave Chater said yesterday: "I think the signs are an excellent gateway into the city. They symbolise Coventry as a modern, go-ahead place."

Alan Kirby, editor of the Evening Telegraph, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this wonderful new initiative.

"We work hard to help raise the profile of the city of Coventry at the Evening Telegraph.

"Thousands of people arriving in our city will now be welcomed by signs sponsored by the Evening Telegraph and other prominent organisations.

"It is a marvellous concept and we look forward to working with the city council and others in developing this sort of initiative."

Five other signs, sponsored by Jaguar, Coventry University, Marconi, Lloyds Chemist and Coventry Building Society, are situated on the Cheylesmore bypass, Hinckley Road, London Road, Rowleys Green and close to the Eastern bypass.

Cllr Dave Batten, cabinet member for development and renewal, said: "We wanted something striking and stylish which says that Coventry is moving on.

"They have a really dramatic effect and tell visitors that companies like Jaguar have their home in Coventry."

Urban designer for the city council Lucy Hobbs said: "Our sponsors have been pleasantly surprised at the huge scale of the signs. This is a unique design."

The same style of "street furniture" is likely to be introduced all around the city in months to come.